The JESS Music Department offers individual and group lessons with new students allocated to a group lesson where possible.
If you would like to participate in this programme, please complete and return both the Expression of Interest form and the Rules & Regulations acceptance form, as attached here. Please note that students who are currently enrolled in the Instrumental Programme still need to complete the expression of interest form every year. A limited number of places will be available due to the high demand for this programme.
The Instrumental provision for the academic year 2011-2012 is as follows:
Piano
Clarinet
Trombone
Electric Guitar
Voice
Jazz Piano
Saxophone
Tenor Horn/Tuba
Violin/Viola
Keyboard
Oboe
Classical Guitar
Cello/Double Bass
Flute/Piccolo
Trumpet
Bass Guitar
Drums/Percussion
We offer a group programme for students wishing to participate in our woodwind, brass, string and guitar lessons. The string and guitar programme starts in Y3 with woodwind and brass in Y4. Students will initially be placed in groups of no more than 4, in consultation with your son/daughters music teacher. This group programme enables us to provide efficiency and develop confidence on their chosen instrument within a peer setting.
For students participating in the beginners string, brass or woodwind programme in primary, an instrument will be provided for the first year. For following years students are encouraged to purchase their own. There are reputable providers in Dubai and more information can be obtained from the music centre. If you wish to hire an instrument then please email musicadmin@jess.sch.ae
Lessons are generally 30 minutes long, however for more advanced students, 1 hour lessons are sometimes recommended. Most lessons take place on a rotational basis throughout the school day, with some at a lunch and after school.
Charges: Individual lessons Dhs 120/Group lessons Dhs 90.
For 2011-2012 lessons will be billed in advance per term and are added to the school fee invoices:
30 weeks spread across Autumn Term 1, Spring Term 2 and Summer Term 3
Invoices should be paid immediately and directly to the school accounts office and not to the instrumental teacher. Notice to discontinue lessons must be made in writing to
musicadmin@jess.sch.ae with 6 weeks notice given before the end of the current term. A full term’s fees will be due if such notice is not received.
The instrumental teachers are paid by JESS. All lessons take place on the school premises.
Recitals and Ensembles
Where possible, it is expected that all those participating in the programme will attend one of the music ensembles offered as part of the activity programme.
It is also hoped that most students will be able to take part in at least one of the recitals/concerts which are scheduled during the year.
ABRSM/Trinity Examinations/Trinity Rockschool
We are a centre for Trinity Guildhall and Rockschool examinations here at JESS. These examinations take place twice a year in the Music Centre. ABRSM examinations also take place twice a year off site. Your instrumental teacher will be able to provide you with more information. Whilst it is not a requirement of the programme for students to take these examinations, we do recommend them, as they are rewarding and a student feels they have goals to aim for on their instrument. Details for these examinations will be posted on the Music Centre notice board. As of 2010, ABRSM and Triniry Guildhall/Rockschool examinations from Grade 6-8 will count towards UCAS (University Entrance in the UK) points.
Association for Music in International Schools (AMIS) http://amis-online.org.uk
JESS is a member of this organisation which promotes music festivals and workshops around the world. JESS students are eligible to submit an audition CD to AMIS through the school in order to be considered for a place at these festivals. All information regarding AMIS will be posted in the Music Centre.